According to Henderson and Stirk, in their book Golf in the Making (second revised edition p46), no birth and death dates for David Marshall are known, but he "resided at 19 Meadow Place, Edinburgh 1815-1822; then at Leith 1822-1830 with an entry in the Edinburgh POD [post office directory] for 1830 and Pigot's Directory 1825-6. Marked examples of his feathery balls are known."

In addition to making feather balls, Marshall worked as a keeper of the green to supplement his income.  A receipt from Marshall to the Thistle Golf Club in Leith, written in his own hand and signed by Marshall, is dated May of 1823.  Marshal was paid an annual allowance of £1.1- for "Keeping the green in order." (A copy of the receipt is shown in the images of this lot but is not included with this lot.)

This David Marshall featherball is upwards of 200 years or more years old—and is in fantastic condition. Marshall's stamp is still clear and strong. The owner's initials RHB are also stamped on the ball. Fortunately for us, it looks like Mr. B never struck the ball. The original paint is all there, and the seams are as tight as can be.  A truly incredible piece of golf history.